Florent Muslija is being confirmed as one of the most important players of the Kosovo National Team in this qualifying cycle, where the Fortuna Dusseldorf midfielder has been the brains of the team in the October matches, leading the Dardanelles with calm, creativity and grit in the midfield.
The 27-year-old has played 36 games for Kosovo, but has never been in such good shape as he is now in 2025.
After excellent performances in the 0-0 draw against Slovenia and the historic 0-1 victory in Gothenburg against Sweden, Muslija speaks confidently about the path towards the biggest dream, the 2026 World Cup.
In an interview with Telegrafi, Muslija says that he had hoped for six points before the rally, but even four points is not bad considering the opponents.
“Of course I’m very pleased. I believed in the team and was convinced that we could get four points, I even believed in six. I know the quality of the team and every player we have in the national team. With four points we can be very pleased,” Muslija told Telegraf.
Analyzing the duel with Slovenia, Muslija said that they could have done more, even though the goal before the match was not to concede a goal, to keep the goal intact.
“I believe we could have done even more against Slovenia. We fought hard and had chances to score, which we should have taken advantage of. Next month we have the match with them again and I believe we can get a win.”
“The objective was not to lose to Slovenia. Even the draw was good for us, as they also had their chances. We were not afraid, despite the absences, because we know that each player has their own value. We have many good footballers and whoever enters the field gives their maximum for Kosovo,” continued the Dardanian midfielder.
Muslija also praised the atmosphere in the national team, but also spoke about the young players who have begun to leave their mark with Kosovo.
“Everyone has given their maximum, both in training and in matches. We are playing with heart for Kosovo. The new players have adapted quickly, we have welcomed them well and they feel part of the team as if they have been there for many years,” continued the Dardanelles number eight.
At the beginning of the qualifiers, Kosovo was seen as the weakest national team on paper compared to Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland, but Muslija says the field speaks differently.
“As Kosovo, even though we are a small country, we have shown ourselves by leaving our soul on the field to prove our quality. Many have seen us finish the qualifiers without points, but we believe in our quality and here we are talking today about Kosovo having a real chance of going to the World Cup from the first position,” says Muslija.
In a month, the two most important matches in Kosovo’s history will take place, where we first play in Ljubljana against Slovenia and then host Switzerland at Fadil Vokrri.
The 27-year-old says we have to go ‘all in’ to get two wins and qualify for the World Championship.
2023/09/Florent-Muslija.jpg 26: “Albert Sinani Photographer
“Now we have to go ‘all in’. We have to get the 6 points. We have come this far and we have to believe that we can get them to qualify for the World Cup,” said Muslija.
Regarding the defeat against Switzerland, Muslija said that the first match was not Dardanians’ night and expects revenge on Fadil Vokrri.
“That loss to Switzerland was not our night and even the Swiss know that they can’t beat us like that again. However, in Pristina we expect to take revenge.”
The Fortuna Düsseldorf midfielder admitted that his greatest strength is in the attacking phase, although in Kosovo he is in every corner of the field and is the brains of the team led by Franco Foda.
2024/03/Florent-Muslija-1.jpg telegrafi.com
“I have more quality in offense than in defense, but I believe that if the offensive players help the defense, then success is achieved. In Kosovo I am fighting more, I am running more and for my country I will always give everything of myself,” said Muslija.
Finally, Muslija sent a message full of love to Albanian fans, but also a message about visas to the USA, where the World Cup will be held in 2026.
“I thank them from the bottom of my heart for the great support they are giving us. This motivates us to give everything on the field. I wanted to tell them to apply for visas to the USA, but it is better to wait for the November matches, because visas are made until the summer of 2026,” Muslija concluded, laughing. /Telegraph/